Blitzbokke's pool for Dubai Sevens announced
The Blitzbokke will face Scotland, Samoa and Russia at the series-opening Dubai Sevens in December.
According to the draw announced by World Rugby on Friday, South Africa are the top-seeds in Pool B for the opening round of the bigger HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. The Springbok Sevens are the defending Dubai champions.
With global excitement building ahead of Sevens’ biggest season, the world’s top players – representing 28 national teams – will compete in Dubai from 3 to 5 December. The 12-team women’s tournament will be played on 3 and 4 December and the 16-team men’s event on 4 and 5 December.
In the men’s competition, reigning series champions Fiji head Pool A and kick off proceedings against Canada with further ties against Japan and Argentina.
Twelve-time series champions New Zealand face matches against USA, as well as France and Portugal in Pool C, while in Pool D England will compete against Australia, Wales and Kenya.
The South Africans start their Dubai campaign against powerful Samoa. They then face Russia in the mid-afternoon, before tackling Scotland later in the evening on the opening day.
"These are exciting and ground-breaking times for rugby sevens as we head into an Olympic Games year and now is the opportunity for our top men's and women's players to showcase their talents to new audiences on sport's greatest stage," said World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
"With new iconic locations, new star players and anticipated record attendances, broadcast and social media exposure, never before has there been so much excitement ahead of a new season of sevens. The road to Rio 2016 promises to be both competitive and compelling and I am sure we will attract, engage and inspire record numbers of new fans along the way," he added.
In his reaction to the Dubai draw, Blitzbokke coach Neil Powell said his team will approach each pool match on its merit.
“With so much at stake this season, the bigger World Series and the Olympics, it will be vital for us to keep our focus and concentrate on the most immediate task,” said Powell. “In this respect it is Dubai, where we have a strong pool. Day one is very important and our approach will be to stick to our system and strive for the desired outcomes.”
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2015-16
Round 1 – Dubai, 4-5 Dec 2015
Round 2 – Cape Town, 12-13 Dec 2015
Round 3 – Wellington, 30-31 Jan 2016
Round 4 – Sydney, 6-7 Feb 2016
Round 5 – Las Vegas, 4-6 Mar 2016
Round 6 – Vancouver, 12-13 Mar 2016
Round 7 – Hong Kong, 8-10 April 2016
Round 8 – Singapore, 16-17 April 2016
Round 9 – Paris, 14-15 May 2016
Round 10 – London, 21-22 May 2016
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